MP leads call for dementia care (From Sutton Guardian)

MP Paul Burstow pledges to make Sutton dementia-friendly

10:30am Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News By Mike Pyle

An MP has vowed to make the area more friendly to the estimated 4,000 people suffering from dementia.

Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow, former care minister, led a debate in parliament calling for more investment in dementia research over the next ten years and spoke up on behalf of his constituents last week.

Mr Burstow Department of Health research which suggests there are 4,000 people in Sutton suffering from dementia but less than 40 per cent of these - 1,560 - have been diagnosed and said he and Sutton Council leader Ruth Dombey are to meet the Alzheimer's Society to discuss how Sutton can be more dementia friendly.

He said: "Dementia is devastating disease with a huge impact on thousands of people in our area.

"We all need to put the work in to improve dementia diagnosis rates, care and treatment, so I was delighted to secure a backbench debate on the issue last week.

"I will continue to work to make sure those with dementia in Sutton are given all the support they need - which is why I want to make our area dementia-friendly."

The debate was jointly proposed by Mr Burstow and fellow MPs Hazel Blears and Tracy Crouch.